New House in Skye, northwest Scotland, UK, Europe

rural design project Location: north west edge of Skye, Western Isles House Description (+ photographs) from rural design 040307: This project occupies an exceptional site in north west Skye, combining outstanding views, with orientation towards the south west. The house has been designed to take full advantage of all the characteristics of the site. The main house is juxtaposed with an organic form which accomodates the main living spaces of the house, this part of the house is of timber construction with a sedum roof, which is appears to emerge out of the ground. The project has been designed with a particular focus with respect to sustainable construction, and utilises many innovative (for Skye) construction techniques. The desire to break the overall mass of the house results in the dual character, cellular spaces are accommodated within the 'whitehouse' the organic form is mostly open plan, and has three split levels. The form of the whitehouse is strong enough to contain an irregular distribution of windows, and the zinc box dormer. The resulting L shaped plan creates a sheltered entrance courtyard. Openings are designed to capture particular experiences, the kitchen window projects out of the timber to capture the morning sun, a horizontal window in the gable frames the Cuillin from the master bedroom, every occupied space enjoys the southern aspect over Loch Bracadale.